Western patch-nosed snakes *Salvadora hexalepis* are a medium sized (51-117cm) non-venomous colubrid snakes native to parts of the southwestern United States as well as the Baja California and western Sonora, MX. Swift moving and mainly diurnal, they are most often observed actively hunting during the daytime utilizing arid to semi-arid habitat. They feed primarily on lizards and small mammals, but also consume invertebrates, eggs, nestling birds, and other snakes.

Western patch-nosed snake’s name originates from their enlarged rostral scale which is thought to assist them in digging up prey items. Their typical dorsal pattern consists of two dark stripes starting from behind the eyes running the length of the body on either side of a beige or cream mid-dorsal stripe which is typically 3 scales wide. The dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 17 rows at mid body. The ventral scales are cream to orange in color.

[Range Map](http://www.repfocus.dk/maps1/TAX/Serpentes/Colubridae/Salvadora\_hexalepis\_map.html) | [Reptile Database Account](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Salvadora&species=hexalepis) | [Additional Information](https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT\_GLOBAL.2.104762/Salvadora\_hexalepis)

This short account was written by /u/pbounds2